The TNT Tropang Giga's march to the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup Finals has been nothing short of spectacular, especially considering their depleted lineup. In their decisive Game 6 victory over Rain or Shine, which punched their ticket to the championship round, Jordan Heading emerged as an unlikely hero, delivering a career-high 29 points to seal the win.
But while TNT celebrates their shrewd acquisition, another team finds itself in the uncomfortable position of being a "big loser" in hindsight: the Converge FiberXers.
Heading's journey to TNT is well-documented. He was originally the first overall pick in the special Gilas Pilipinas draft by Terrafirma in 2021, but played overseas before his rights were eventually traded to Converge in November 2024.
That gamble is now paying off handsomely. Heading is showcasing precisely what many envisioned him to be: a capable offensive hub of a championship team. His ability to create his own shot, his high basketball IQ, and his composure under pressure, as seen in his game-sealing three, point to a player who can be relied upon in critical moments. In his short stint with TNT so far, he's quickly become a vital piece, providing the firepower and playmaking that the Tropang Giga desperately needed with their injured stars. Prior to joining TNT, Heading was already showing signs of being a force, even earning Best Player of the Conference consideration in the Commissioner's Cup with Converge, where he averaged 17.7 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds.
The FiberXers' decision to let go of a player of Heading's caliber, especially for a player in Mikey Williams whose contract situation had been notoriously volatile, now looks like a significant miscalculation. While Williams brings undeniable talent when active, his extended absences and contract disputes likely made him a riskier asset. Heading, on the other hand, despite his injury history, consistently demonstrated his dedication and on-court impact when healthy.
Converge's vision might have been to acquire a proven scorer in Williams, but the immediate returns suggest they gave up a future star who is now proving he can be the offensive linchpin for a championship contender. Heading isn't just a scorer; he's a playmaker, a leader by example, and a player who elevates those around him. His performance in the semifinals, under the bright lights and immense pressure, has solidified his status.
As TNT continues its quest for a rare Grand Slam, fueled in part by Jordan Heading's resurgence, Converge is left to ponder what could have been. In the cutthroat world of the PBA, sometimes the biggest losses aren't on the scoreboard, but in the trades that reshape the future. The FiberXers appear to have missed a golden opportunity to build around a player who is now looking every bit like a cornerstone of a championship-level squad.
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